The government is reportedly struggling to decide on implementing the July National Charter, despite earlier commitments made during the election campaign. Although the referendum held alongside the national election resulted in a ‘Yes’ victory, the ruling BNP has yet to administer the oath for members of the Constitutional Reform Council as required by the July Charter Implementation Order 2025. The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of the referendum and related orders, while political analysts say the government’s stance appears hesitant.

The order required the council’s first session to be held within 30 days of the referendum results being gazetted, but no meeting has been called. The Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance has warned of protests if the session is not convened immediately. Government representatives argue that the existing constitution does not provide for such an oath, and that parliamentary discussion is needed before proceeding. Opposition leaders insist the government must respect the referendum outcome and convene the reform council.

Analysts caution that continued delay could create constitutional complications and erode public trust in the reform process, urging swift action to uphold the July Charter’s commitments.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in good health and has no physical problems. He made the remarks on Saturday in an interview with the news outlet MS Now, countering reports that suggested otherwise.

The statement came a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Khamenei had been injured and possibly suffered limb loss. Araghchi dismissed those claims, saying the leader had delivered a message the previous day and would continue performing his duties. In his first speech as Supreme Leader, Khamenei hinted at effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and warned that if the United States and Israel continued their military actions against Iran, new fronts would be opened.

The exchange of statements underscores heightened tensions in the region, with Iran signaling a firm stance amid ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and allied forces.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan stated that the resignation of Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan has not yet been finalized. He made the comment on Saturday during an iftar event at his residence on Minto Road in response to questions from journalists.

The minister explained that although he has received the resignation letter, it has not been formally accepted. He added that the matter will remain open until he personally makes a final decision. Addressing concerns about possible administrative stagnation at the university, he acknowledged a gap but emphasized that the process is still ongoing. Milan also praised Dr. Khan as a polite and competent individual and mentioned that there may be opportunities to involve him in other roles, including within various councils such as the Accreditation Council.

Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan had submitted his resignation on February 22, formally handing it to the education minister. The minister’s latest remarks indicate that the final decision on the resignation is still pending.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of the daily Manabzamin, has been elected president of the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB). The announcement was made on Saturday in Dhaka during a meeting where the committee members for the 2026–2027 term were chosen without contest. The new committee was declared by NOAB election board chairman M Mashrur Riaz.

The newly elected committee includes ASM Shahidullah Khan, chairman of the New Age editorial board, as vice president, and Altaf Mash Kabir, publisher of the daily Sangbad, as treasurer. Other members are AK Azad of Samakal, Matiur Rahman of Prothom Alo, Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star, Tasmeema Hossain of Ittefaq, AMM Bahauddin of Inqilab, Dewan Hanif Mahmud of Bonik Barta, Mozammel Haque of Karatoa, MA Malek of Azadi, Dr. Ramizuddin Chowdhury of Purbokone, and Nasim Monzur of The Financial Express.

The committee will serve for the 2026–2027 term, representing major newspaper publishers across Bangladesh.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that Islamophobia is still active in the country's media and that the character of media flattery seen during fascist times has not changed. He made the remarks on Saturday evening at an iftar event organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South at Dhaka Ladies Club, Eskaton, held in honor of journalists.

Rahman said Amar Desh continues to uphold Bengali Muslim culture and remains uncompromising in defending human rights, the people, and national interests. He noted that two billion Muslims worldwide are facing crises and that Bangladesh is not free from these challenges. He warned that the Middle East war situation could affect Bangladesh through rising fuel prices and economic impacts, calling for unity and caution. He also condemned the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and urged active support for Iran.

The event was chaired by Jamaat leader Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and attended by senior journalists and media figures from various organizations, including editors and union leaders.

Leaders of Khelafat Majlis have called on the government to convene an immediate special session of parliament to initiate constitutional reform. The demand was made during the party’s central executive meeting held on Tuesday at its central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. They said the ruling party, as a signatory to the July Charter, must fulfill its commitment, noting that the recent referendum resulted in a decisive ‘yes’ victory. The leaders emphasized that the government should respect the public mandate and ensure that Bangladesh never again experiences fascist rule.

The meeting, presided over by Nayeb-e-Amir Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi and conducted by Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, also discussed the deteriorating law and order situation, persistently high commodity prices, and ongoing concerns over energy security. The leaders urged the newly formed government to prioritize these issues, ensure safe and accessible travel for Eid holidaymakers, and facilitate the safe return of expatriates from the war-torn Middle East.

They further stated that freedom of the press is essential for maintaining the integrity of all other state institutions.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas will be taken to Singapore on Sunday for advanced medical treatment. His personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel confirmed that he will be flown by air ambulance at 11 a.m. Abbas’s wife, BNP Mahila Dal president Afroza Abbas, and their eldest son Mirza Yasir Abbas will accompany him.

Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery last Friday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and has since been kept under intensive observation. A CT scan conducted on Saturday showed improvement, according to BNP’s health affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam. Abbas had lost consciousness during iftar on Thursday, prompting his admission to the hospital, where a virtual medical board decided on urgent surgery after reviewing his condition.

Following the operation, Abbas remains under 72-hour intensive monitoring by the medical board. Several political leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, visited the hospital to inquire about his health.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam announced that the government’s position on the proposed Constitutional Reform Council will be sought in parliament. He made the statement on Saturday after a meeting of the parliamentary business advisory committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, at the National Parliament Secretariat’s cabinet room.

Earlier the same day, after a meeting of an 11-party alliance at the Jamaat-e-Islami office, coalition coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad warned that if a session of the Constitutional Reform Council is not convened by Sunday, the alliance will take to the streets with public support. He added that the final outline of the movement will be decided at the top leadership meeting on March 28.

Following the advisory committee meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the issue of a constitutional reform commission was not on the day’s agenda but confirmed that the government intends to resolve the matter through parliamentary procedures.

Exiled Iranian royal Reza Pahlavi has declared his readiness to assume leadership if the Islamic Republic of Iran collapses. In a message shared on social media, he said preparations are underway to establish a transitional system that would govern the country during an interim period. According to Pahlavi, this system would immediately take charge to restore law, order, security, and freedom once the current regime falls.

Pahlavi stated that he has already begun forming the transitional structure with individuals from both inside and outside Iran. He said capable figures have been identified and evaluated to manage different parts of the interim administration. Saeed Ghasseminejad, an adviser on Iran and financial economics at the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, is reportedly leading the selection process for council members.

Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, has become a prominent figure among opposition movements abroad. His visibility increased after protests earlier this year, during which some demonstrators called for the restoration of the monarchy.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the media, as the fourth pillar of the state, must remain strong and independent to ensure the proper functioning of the other three pillars. He made the remarks on Saturday, March 14, at an iftar gathering in Dhaka organized by the party’s city south unit to honor journalists. The event was chaired by Dhaka South Jamaat Ameer Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul and attended by journalists and party leaders.

Dr. Rahman urged journalists to report objectively, saying they should call truth by its name and keep their voices active. He recalled that during past authoritarian rule, many journalists were silenced for speaking truth but have since been vindicated. Citing examples of repression, he mentioned veteran editor Abul Asad’s imprisonment and attacks on journalists such as Shafiqul Islam Kajol.

Clarifying Jamaat’s current stance, Dr. Rahman said the party now serves as an opposition force that will support the government when it acts in the national interest but will resist if it strays. He emphasized the party’s vision for a Bangladesh free from fascism and foreign dominance.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh has announced measures to assist expatriate workers stranded in the country after returning from the Middle East. Following the recent attacks in Iran involving the United States and Israel, many Bangladeshi workers on leave have been unable to return to their host countries, where their visas have expired or are about to expire. The ministry issued a public notice on Saturday outlining the steps taken by the concerned countries.

According to the notice, workers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain must contact their employers, sponsors, or kafeels, or apply online to renew their visas. The governments of Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have already extended the validity of entry visas by one month for those whose visas have expired or are nearing expiration.

These measures are expected to ease the uncertainty faced by Bangladeshi expatriates unable to travel back due to the ongoing regional situation, providing temporary relief until normal travel resumes.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP, who also oversees the ministries of Shipping and Railways, visited key bus terminals in Dhaka on Saturday to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. His inspection covered the Fulbaria BRTC counter, Gulistan bus stand, and Sayedabad terminal, where he interacted with passengers to assess travel conditions and potential issues.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the minister said the government, under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working tirelessly to make Eid travel safe and hassle-free. He noted that buses are operating on schedule with regulated fares, and sufficient fuel supplies have been secured to prevent fare hikes. Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock road management to ensure timely and safe arrivals.

The minister added that coordination among transport owners, workers, and government agencies is ongoing to monitor field operations. Mobile courts are active to prevent overcharging and passenger harassment, while toll plazas offer limited iftar arrangements for fasting travelers. Hospitals near highways are on standby for emergency care, and additional supervision has been deployed in traffic-prone areas.

The government of Bangladesh has announced extensive safety preparations for travelers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. According to information from a recent meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ law and order committee, helicopters will be used for rapid rescue operations in case of major accidents on highways or railways. Armed forces and law enforcement helicopter units will remain on standby to reach accident sites quickly.

The plan also includes the use of air routes to access remote or traffic-congested areas for immediate rescue efforts. Fire Service diving teams, rescue boats, modern firefighting equipment, and ambulances will be kept ready at all times. The Coast Guard may assist if necessary, and hospitals and trauma centers along highways have been instructed to prepare for emergency medical services.

Experts cited in the report emphasized that the first few hours after an accident are crucial for saving lives, and timely rescue operations can significantly reduce fatalities.

The government has appointed Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders as administrators in five city corporations—Barishal, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Cumilla. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Local Government on Saturday, these administrators will serve until the corporations are formally constituted or until further orders are issued.

Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, the BNP’s Barishal divisional organizing secretary, has been named administrator of Barishal City Corporation. Mahfuzur Rahman, general secretary of Rajshahi city BNP, will oversee Rajshahi City Corporation. Rukunuzzaman Rokon, member secretary of Mymensingh South District BNP, will manage Mymensingh City Corporation. Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury, member secretary of Rangpur city BNP, has been appointed for Rangpur, while Yusuf Molla, general secretary of Cumilla city BNP, will serve as administrator there.

Earlier, on February 23, the government appointed BNP-affiliated figures as administrators in six other city corporations, including Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, continuing a similar pattern of appointments.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated a new financial assistance program for religious leaders of all faiths at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The event brought together imams, muezzins, khadems, priests, monks, and pastors from across the country. Rahman emphasized that people of all religions and beliefs in Bangladesh stand together in harmony and must not allow division or discord to arise among them.

The program was launched by handing over a check to Hossain Ahmed Abdullah, the imam of Bogura’s Baitul Rahman Central Mosque, followed by the transfer of funds to designated bank accounts through the IBAS system. Rahman announced that the initiative would gradually extend financial support to khatibs, imams, muezzins, and other religious figures nationwide. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the financial and social security of all citizens, regardless of religion or profession.

The initiative marks a state-backed effort to promote interfaith solidarity and provide economic support to religious service providers across Bangladesh.